The CAL Process—Al-Anon’s Group Conscience in Action
When I first came to Al‑Anon, I didn’t have time for patience. Although it had taken me years to recognize that I was affected by living with alcoholism, I suddenly expected an overnight recovery. In those early years, I
Only What Is Mine To Do
Before I came to Al‑Anon, I felt that it was my job to make sure I kept my household running on an even keel. What an enormous job that was, especially living with an active alcoholic. I was
Keeping My Peace
My peace belongs to me, but it is so easy to give it away or let someone take it. One gem I have heard in Al‑Anon meetings is “Don’t take the bait.” I may be quite happy and
Moving On from My Past
Before I came to Al‑Anon, I had wrapped myself up in so many layers of denial that to sit in a room and admit the truth to myself—let alone strangers—seemed crazy. Part of me wanted to cling to
When I Took the Risk
The three-sided triangle that symbolizes our fellowship is a reminder that the Steps are for my personal recovery, the Traditions are for my use in my relationships with others, and the Concepts guide me as I perform service.
The World Service What?—the “World Service Handbook”
When I started attending Al‑Anon meetings, I remember seeing a three-ring binder in the group’s supply cabinet. I had no idea what was in the booklets it contained. A couple of years later, I began working at a
Not Cowardice, but Courage
When my spouse retired, his behaviour changed. I couldn’t understand what was happening, especially when he became verbally aggressive toward me for trivial matters. I found an online story from someone describing what she termed a dry drunk.
Today I Am Somebody
Growing up in an alcoholic family, I learned to survive by keeping my opinions and thoughts to myself. I judged myself to be a nobody. Later, this affected my relationships with my husband and three daughters. When one
A Glimmer of Hope
As I drove toward the church on that warm, dusky night, I desperately hoped the meeting would be canceled or that no one else would show up. I felt the knot in my stomach tighten as I pulled into
How Can I Attend Al-Anon Meetings?
My disease does not take a break just because it’s the middle of the night, a holiday, or when I’m on vacation. Did you know that Al‑Anon meetings are available 24 hours a day, seven days a week
Awareness of Alcoholism—Opening More Eyes in April
The literature table at my first Al‑Anon meeting immediately caught my attention. Suddenly, I had access to information about alcoholism and its effects on the families of alcoholics. At the time, I felt incredibly isolated because I had
Facing Change Together
The 19th International Al‑Anon General Services Meeting (IAGSM) opened on Wednesday, October 3, 2018, at the Holiday Inn in Virginia Beach, Virginia. Rosie M., Chairperson of the International Coordination Committee, warmly welcomed representatives from 16 structures by saying, “Our